La Rose Italia Fest 2015 raised $20,700 for the Townsend Smith Hospice Foundation
Hospital Gala Raises $300K
A SAD STORY By Laura Steiner STAFF REPORTER
The month of May was South Asian Heritage month. On May 23, the Milton Public Library (M.P.L.) hosted an event for the award-winning Author Rukshana Khan. Announcements were made encouraging people to join Khan in the children’s program room for her presentation of The Roses in My Carpet. Unfortunately, only two mothers – one with her three children seated together on a rug; and the other with her child - were able to join Khan in her storytelling. “Rukshana is well-known and liked by many,” Kari Veno, a Library Spokesperson said in an email. The MPL doesn’t believe there was a lack of promotion. “We promoted her event in multiple ways,” Veno wrote. We put posters at Beaty and the main library, had newspaper ads, used website and social media (including Facebook and Twitter) and promoted through the Halton District School Board (H.D.S.B.). But looking as far back as May 1, M.P.L’s Facebook and Twitter accounts held no mention of Khan’s appearance. On May 23, they simply tweeted about a kid’s read-along and the same was posted on Facebook.
Why I love the world: Astronaut Chris Hadfield By Laura Steiner STAFF REPORTER
The 2015 Gift of Health Gala raised over $300,000, specifically for new equipment and facility to outfit the expanded hospital. The Moonlight-Serenade-themed event at Rattlesnake Golf Club on May 30, organized by the Milton District Hospital Foundation (MDHF), surpassed last year’s fundraiser by about $130,000. Halton MPP Indira Naidoo-Harris is satisfied with the project. “We are very pleased with the progress being made on this important project for Milton residents.” Milton is the fastest-growing community in Canada. Over 330 local community members, businesses and VIP’s gathered together to support the Foundation’s mission to enhance quality healthcare in the growing Milton community. Milton District Hospital (M.D.H.) was officially opened in November 1959 consisting of 53 beds, and the population was approximately 5 thousand. By the year 2000, the population was set to blossom thanks to expansion. 2006 saw it rise to 53 thousand nearly double what the previous hospital expansion was built for. 2001-2011 was a decade of struggle to communicate the need for an expanded hospital to the provincial government. In 2009 the story moved forward. The Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) made a unanimous decision endorsing phase 1 of the expansion stating hospital facilities were nearing the end of their useful life. Citizens, Town Councillors, and business got together forming “Friends of Milton Hospital (F.O.M.H.)
in 2009. Their mission was to help the hospital ensure it would provide healthcare to a growing town, and without a larger hospital that wouldn’t be possible. The group started petitions and held rallies. They even took their struggles as far as Queen’s park where former Member of Provincial Parliament (M.P.P.) presented their petitions signed by thousands of Miltonians on the floor in the legislature. The movement yielded results when Former Health Minister Deb Matthews announced an expansion in August, 2011. “It’s such a good day, I don’t think I can say anything bad about the Liberals,” Chudleigh commented In 2013, a builder was for the project was found. It continued to unify both sides of the political spectrum. “Minister Matthews was right when she said we agreed on the Milton Hospital Expansion project.” It was a point of no return; Milton would get its hospital. * * * * * * * * * *
The expansion broke ground earlier this year as soon as the frost was out of the ground. The expansion will add 330,000 square feet to the existing 125,000. Besides the expanded E.R. it will include: • An enlarged emergency Room equipped to handle 45,500 visits/ year • An increase for in-patient beds from 63 to 129. Nearly 80% of those will be singlepatient rooms to help provide a quieter healing environment and reduce infection • The addition of the first Magnetic Resonance Imaging Machine (M.R.I.) Community-Wide Fundraising efforts: Hospital expansion finds a portion of its funding from what’s known as a “Local share.” Halton Health Services (H.H.S.), and the municipality are responsible for 10% of eligible construction, 100% of non-eligible construction (cafeteria, retail CONTINUE ON PAGE 03
When was Milton District Hospital first opened? It was first built in 1959. It was last expanded in 1987 How big is the expansion? The expansion will increase the hospital’s size to 455000 sq. It’ll feature a larger maternity ward with a special care nursery. When will the Expansion be finished? The expansion will be completed by spring, 2017, and will be occupied by fall, 2017. It’s estimated that 500 workers will be on-site at the peak of construction. How much will it cost? The building contract awarded is valued at $512 million. The Town of Milton is responsible for $116 million How do I support it? The best way of supporting the hospital is to visit the Milton District Foundation’s website at: www.mdhf.ca
By Jim Benning Chris Hadfield was already a veteran astronaut by the time he became a global internet phenomenon. He’d flown a space shuttle to the Russian space station Mir in 1995 and had done his first stint aboard the International Space Station in 2001. But it was his time aboard the latter, from December 2012 to May 2013, that made the astronaut a full-fledged star. His photos of Earth and accompanying observations, which he posted to Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites, inspired legions of followers. DETAIL STORY ON PAGE 04
Community
Wednesday June 24, 2015
Milton Young Professionals Welcome Diversity Reporter Staff reporter June’s Milton Young Professionals (MYP) welcomed The Diversity Reporter as a new member. The new publication sponsored the monthly meeting June 17, at Granite Ridge Golf Course. This month had no official guest speaker so attendees were asked to introduce themselves, and their businesses. Diversity Reporter Publisher Mohsin Abbas kicked off the presentations with a quick personal introduction and briefly spoke about the newspaper. The rest of the speakers were determined by drawing business cards. Speakers included Robert Foster of Trainers OnSite, David O’Connell of Big Bang Communications, and Regional & Local Councillor (Wards 2,3,4 & 5) Colin Best. Milton Young Professionals is an initiative of the Milton Chamber of Commerce. They meet at different locations each month. Membership fee is $50 and is limited to entrepreneurs and business owners under the age of 45.
South Asian Community Leader Mahmud Choudhry, MPP Indira Naidoo-Harris, Mayor Krantz during the Grand Opening of MPP Indira Naidoo-Harris’ new Constituency Office located at 450 Bronte St. South, Unit 115.
Bharat Dawar is shopping at “It Works!” at the Milton Flea market. The marketplace provides an excellent opportunity for Miltonians and those in surrounding areas to be able to visit the market and interact with local vendors.
Milton Youth Cricket Club (MY Cricket Club) Summer Camp at Sherwood Park, 6125 Main Street West, Milton (every Monday 6pm to 8pm) for ages 8 to 12 years. From May 11 to August 17. Cost $80 per child. For more information call Fawad Rahat 647938-7243 or Mahir Ameen at 416-702-4547
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Write for Us
Diversity Reporter welcomes submissions from community members and journalists. We encourage newcomers and immigrants to share their stories with our readers. We welcome local events, news, success stories, features, photos and videos.
We encourage immigrant perspective on Canadian current affairs, international relations, and topics/issues that are of particular interest to newcomers and immigrants. contact@diversityreporter.com
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opinion
Wednesday June 24, 2015
For Our Postal Service, the Real Court Date Is Federal Election Day By mike paLecek The ruling in Hamilton should not be seen as a loss for municipalities fighting the imposition of the new mailboxes, with all their attendant costs and issues. Rather, the debate over jurisdiction in Hamilton underscores the reality that the mailbox battle is a federal fight with the Conservatives who have put their stamp of approval on the decision to end door-to-door delivery. The real debate is not where these mailboxes might be located. It is whether or not we should be terminating home mail delivery for Canadians without due process. In a national public opinion poll conducted in December 2013 by Angus Reid, 58% of respondents opposed the cut. Even after being fed a steady stream of deceptive figures about the health of Canada Post’s finances, the public wants to keep door-to-door delivery. In Quebec, fully 68% were opposed. Not surprisingly, people who currently get mail delivery to their door were the strongest advocates for keeping home delivery (73%). 80% of respondents agreed with the statement that “losing home mail delivery will pose a real hardship for some people” and 71% stated they were worried about the loss of 6000 to 8000 jobs as a result of the cutbacks. Research shows that most who don’t currently have it would prefer to get delivery to their door.
With online shopping growing, this makes even more sense. Moreover, a growing number of Canadians, not just in Hamilton, but all over the country, are objecting to the heavy-handed and imperious way in which the cuts are being rammed through. Canada Post’s actions are making a complete mockery of its claims to accommodate seniors and other vulnerable people, and listen to community concerns about snow removal, tree cutting, property devaluation, litter, theft, etc. What the Hamilton decision has exposed are the hidden costs of this so-called “cost-cutting” measure, which in fact will force additional costs onto municipalities and onto our healthcare system (think of all the falls that seniors are going to incur). The federal Conservatives, with an election looming, are scrambling to distance themselves from Canada Post, but their fingerprints are all over it. On the Hill, MP Jeff Watson and Minister responsible for Canada Post Lisa Raitt take turns shrugging off petitions bearing thousands of signatures by repeating the same shop-worn talking points about a post office that, they neglect to mention, boasts a long history of profits: around $200 million last year and $24 million in the first quarter of this year. On January 28, 2014, Conservative MPs clapped and cheered as they voted down an NDP motion in support of keeping door-
to-door delivery. As if that were not enough, the discredited study that served as a basis for the cuts was bought and paid for Conservative appointee, Canada Post’s President and CEO, Deepak Chopra, who sits on the board that produced the study. Long-time Conservative campaigner David Crapper conducted research for the study. The Conservatives also refused to hold a review of the Postal Service Charter that would have provided an opportunity for Canadians to give input. Their talk of being “arms-length” is as deceptive as the figures they are putting out to justify the cuts. The NDP proposal to restore home delivery to those who have lost it since December 2013 has predictably been attacked as “crazy,” although it would not cost taxpayers a dime. In light of all the hidden costs to community residents and municipalities that are being exposed by the Hamilton case, what’s really “crazy” is Canada Post’s deliberate refusal to protect and build upon its most valuable assets – its enormous retail network, its ability to deliver anywhere in Canada, and its (up until recently, anyway) trusted brand. Instead it plans to spend $196 million this year forcing Canadians to switch to an inconvenient, unsightly delivery system they don’t want. Let’s hope we can stop the insanity in October.
Hunger-striking friends of man who died in immigration custody speak out ToronTo - One week after the death of a 39 year old, Abdurahman Ibrahim Hassan at the hands of Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), immigrants imprisoned without trial or charges along with their families, and friends are refusing food today inside and outside of the Central East Correctional prison. Detainees in Toronto East Detention Centre will be joining them. The oneday fast is to commemorate the death of their close friend, and to demand an end to immigration detention. Detainees and End Immigration Detention Network (EIDN), Canada’s leading immigration detention watch group are also calling for a Coroner’s Inquest into Hassan’s death as well as the implementation of recommendations from Lucia Vega Jimenez’s death, a 90 day limit on immigration detention, an end to maximum security imprisonment and overhaul of the judicial process. Detainees and EIDN are also calling on the SIU to speak to detainees who have not yet been interviewed, and for the Ontario government to take responsibility for its role in these deaths. “When we woke up [on June 12th] they told us Hassan died from a stroke. A newspaper said he was being restrained and died. We're wondering who's next. Am I next? Are my fellow friends my brothers here next who's next ? We're on immigration hold, you don't know what's gonna happen so you have the fear of losing your life, being assaulted or being forced to get on a plane. There's a lot of concerns that we have” said T.R., one of the hunger fast participants, a 27 year old father who has lived in Canada for 12 years, and has been in detention for 5 months. On June 11, 2015, Abdurahman Ibrahim Hassan, jailed in Ontario’s maximum security Central
East Correctional Centre (CECC) in Lindsay, died in a Peterborough hospital after being “restrained” by officers according to Ontario’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU). Few details have been released surrounding the events that led to the detainee’s death. This is the 12th such recorded death in immigration custody since 2000. No recommendations from inquiries or inquests into any of those deaths have ever been implemented. Twain, another detainee on hunger strike
adds, “If anybody had criminal records they already paid their dues, but here they treat us so bad. It's messed up how things happened. He was sick already and had altercations with guards before. He was walking good before, like straight. After the first altercation his back was bent he wasn't walking straight anymore. After that he had another stroke. Last time he got beat up by guards in solitary and, rushed to hospital.This is what the guards told me. The situation in the hole
is messed up. Only get a shower every other day. You sit there the guard walks by have to wait 30 minutes to an hour to wish for a guard to walk by in case something happens to you.” “Immigration detention is getting way out of hand. they are locking us up and forgetting about us. I have seen 4 people held in detention with me pass away while in CBSA custody, there is no end to detention and I am worried the next one will be me” adds 50 year old Francis Davidson. Davidson has been in Canada 27 years and has been held in detention for the past 4 years. He continued, “I want immigration detention to end now. People have families. I have family and friends who care about me. My daughter asked if I can see her for her graduation and I don’t know, I can’t answer that and that affects my mind, my mental health. I need to get these stories out and I need to get more stories out.” Another detainee, 59 years old, a resident of Canada for 10 years and who has been in detention since December, 2014 added “I want to draw attention to the hopelessness felt by people who are detained and who are at the mercy of the government who lie and twist everything. CBSA counsel twists things around, they have explicitly lied at 3 of my hearings. It contributes to hopelessness because we are fighting things we cannot win.” Syed Hussan, EIDN organizer says, "Hassan’s death is a tragedy of epic proportions that's happened as a result of immigration and border laws which cannot be allowed to continue a single day longer, people can't just keep dying. It's time for everyone to work together to end the heartbreaking and destructive regime that is the immigration detention system in this country".
Hospital Gala Raises $300K from page 1
space, parking facilities), 10% of Building Equipment and life cycle equipment (HVAC systems, and elevators), and 100% of clinical equipment. Milton is responsible for $116 million with one-third of that ($36 million) due before the hospital is finished. They’ve raised $3 million through a 1% hospital levy applied to property tax bills. The 2015 municipal budget passed with a recommendation to take out loans for a portion of the money.
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The remainder comes from community fundraising. The Milton District Hospital Foundation (M.D.H.F.) uses events such as the annual Gift of Health Gala raise significant amounts of money. This year’s event was themed as a Moonlight Serenade featuring performances by the Milton Philharmonic Orchestra, and a dance performance from Elizabeth Kimenic. The evening started off with official speeches from HHS President & C.E.O. Denise Hardenne, and organizers Marg Saliba, and Rosanna Conteduca. “Over a decade of dreams, and hopes are
underway,” Hardenne told a sold-out crowd at Rattle-snake Point Golf Club. The gala raised $300 thousand, with proceeds going to fund new equipment for the expansion. Marg Saliba stepped to the microphone next. Saliba’s relationship with M.D.H. started when her mother was hospitalized after a car accident. Her father was always referred to as Mr. Saliba when he visited. “Milton is a hospital that cares,” she commented. It isn’t just M.D.H.F. raising money. Groups, and individuals have gotten behind the hospital. Efforts
have taken the form of everything from a yearly Haunted House to a picnic held by the Milton Muslim Association, to birthday parties held requesting donations in lieu of gifts. Some kids even hold a lemonade stand and donate their proceeds. M.D.H.F. recognizes them with their little leaders program. “We all have to make sure this hospital has the potential to be the best,” Conteduca said. To find out more about the Milton District Foundation including upcoming events, the latest news on the expansion, and how to donate visit: www.mdhf.ca
Diversity Reporter Connecting communities www.diversityreporter.com Publisher: Mohsin Abbas Reporters: Laura Steiner, Daphne Jalique, Surjit Singh Flora,Imran Adnan, Brendan Kergin, Princess Zeri, Hafiz Muhammad Imran Advertising Sales & Marketing: Robin Read-Griffin Design: Arslan Adnan Qureshi Inquiries: contact@diversityreporter.com Tel: 416-900-2852 Fax: 250-483-6383 Classifieds: classifieds@diversityreporter.com Ontario: Diversity Reporter Media Inc. P.O. Box 30072 Hawthorne Milton, ON L9T 0L8 British Columbia: Diversity Reporter Media Inc. P.O. Box 49022 Victoria, BC V8P 5V8 Saskatchewan: Diversity Reporter Media Inc. 1555 14 Ave. Suite 208 Regina, SK S4P 0W7 Diversity Reporter is a multilingual publication. It is published by Diversity Reporter Media Inc. every Wednesday. We encourage newcomers and immigrants to share their stories with the best community on earth. We welcome local events, news, success stories, features, photos and videos from community members. Opinion and views expressed are of the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Diversity Reporter.
Police Warn Halton Residents of Tax Scams By Laura Steiner STAFF REPORTER
Tax Season may be over, but the scams aren’t. Halton Regional Police Service (H.R.P.S.) discovered a scam where fraudsters contact people either via email or phone pretending to be officials from Canada Revenue Agency (C.R.A.), and steal money from them. Citizens, and business receive 2 types of emails/phone calls from the people posing as C.R.A. officials. In the case of a refund, they’re told there’s one pending. But in order to claim it they must provide personal information. Or they’re told they owe back taxes thanks to an audit. The scammer advises that they can avoid an outstanding warrant or could be deported if not paid right away. H.R.P.S. advises to take no action before doing your homework. Verify the information, and ask yourself why the C.R.A. would be asking you for information over the phone/ email they already have on file? Police in the Regional Fraud Unit remain aware of this threat. They ask the public if they’ve been a victim, or know someone who has contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at: 1888-165-8501 or through their official website
travel
Wednesday June 24, 2015
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Why I love the world: Astronaut Chris Hadfield The Miltonian who captivated the planet with music videos and social media updates from space talks about his globetrotting travels on Earth By Jim Benning Chris Hadfield was already a veteran astronaut by the time he became a global internet phenomenon. He’d flown a space shuttle to the Russian space station Mir in 1995 and had done his first stint aboard the International Space Station in 2001. But it was his time aboard the latter, from December 2012 to May 2013, that made the astronaut a full-fledged star. His photos of Earth and accompanying observations, which he posted to Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites, inspired legions of followers. Then the guitar-playing astronaut released a captivating music video in which he sang David Bowie’s Space Oddity while floating in zero gravity – a performance viewed more than 25 million times. Hadfield has since retired from the Canadian Space Agency and is now teaching, writing and speaking about his experiences. We recently caught up with him to ask about his travels back on Earth. You’ve seen such amazing views of Earth from space. Have aeroplane window seats lost their appeal? [Laughs.] I always prefer window seats, partly because I’m intimately familiar with the whole world and it’s lovely to see how it looks today. People always want to come up and talk to me, but being over by a window also gives me slightly more privacy. When did you get the travel bug? I was really lucky because my dad was an airline pilot, and in the 1960s and ‘70s the family travel privileges were much more permissive. So as kids, we travelled quite a bit, all around North America, down to the Caribbean; skiing in Switzerland and Austria. Travel became a normal adventure, and I think it set the bug for the rest of my life. Since then, I guess I’ve been to 60 or 70 countries. And it’s been contagious. All my kids have been to 60-plus countries, and my wife as well. For us, it’s an important part of how to live right now: to see as much of the world as possible, draw your own conclusions and try to understand the world through your own particular filter. What kind of travelling do you do these days? I travel about five days a week, for a variety of reasons. I’m a university professor in a different town than I live in, so I go back and forth. My first book, An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth, is in 20 languages, so I’ve done speaking tours across the US, Canada, the UK, Germany and Australia. And I’ve done tours for the second book, You Are Here. I’m also on the Canadian Space Advisory Board, helping our government with space policy, so there’s a lot of travel with that. And then my
daughter is graduating with her PhD in Dublin this weekend so we’ll be going over, and I have a son in China, so we travel quite a lot for family reasons. And that’s not to mention the 2,600 orbits of the world that I did onboard space ships. My head is spinning. Yeah, it’s busy. Any travel habits you’ve developed to make the most of your time on the road? The key when travelling as much as I do is to not to treat travel as anything different. I seek to make it as non-interruptive as possible, so I can go from productive environment to productive environment as quickly and efficiently as possible.
adaptation and your digestive adaptation, which are linked. And I try to stay triply hydrated, because planes are dehydrating. Has seeing Earth from space changed the way you view the planet when you travel? Yeah, I think it annoys my wife. When we’re driving I know what’s around the next corner, even though we’ve never been there before. It’s like, “You’re going to see this big cove up there, or the surf really pours in here”. It is, actually, déjà vu. I’ve already seen so much of the world, if not the whole thing, many times. It’s as if you’ve done your homework everywhere you go and you know the lay of the land and where the lakes are and
If I can just get a power source and wireless, it’s as if I’m back in my office. I have patterns for long [haul] travel. I’ve crossed the Atlantic more times than most people, with a lot of trips from Houston to Russia and back in my 21 years as an astronaut. So I tend to pack late and pack light, and then eat light as well. I would rather show up at the other end hungry so I have the greatest chance to get my body onto the digestive cycle of the new place. Nobody at home would have a big dinner and wake up at 1:30 am and have another big dinner. It delays your sleep
where the nearest town is and how it’s laid out. Travelling becomes a much richer experience. Did you see places from space that you made sure to visit when you returned to Earth – or are there places you still want to see? Oh, absolutely. The list is long. There are places that are alluring because they’re beautiful: the South Sea islands, Bora Bora, Fiji and all along the Great Barrier Reef. All of the islands in that part of the world. I haven’t seen most of them yet and would love to. I have not seen New Zealand on the ground,
but to see it from space – the huge volcano on the southern tip of the North Island, and the richness of the fjords and nature in the south, and the wine country at the north end of the South Island – just kind of coalescing every time I went by. That was really interesting to look at. I haven’t been to the Channel Islands [off the southern California coast] or the Isle of Man [off the coast of England], either. There’s a distinct feel to islands. They develop their own flora, fauna and personality. And in Africa, I’ve only been to Egypt and South Africa. The continent is so vast – from 30 north to 30 south – I’ve seen it all but I’ve never been there on the ground. Has your time in space affected your sense of wanderlust? It’s not so much my wanderlust that’s changed, it’s more a respect for the absolute commonality of the human experience. Yes, there’s a strong local influence – our own history and culture and sets of laws – but when you go around the world every 92 minutes, the sameness overwhelms the differences. The repeated pattern of human habitation. How we set up cities. How that pattern looks whether it’s a city in Alberta or Africa or Australia. You’re passing over Canada and in 20 minutes you’re over Africa. You see the commonalities much more strongly than you see the differences. I think that is actually the reality of the world – the shared common nature of our experience. We tend to exaggerate our differences and become extremely used to our own set of biases. But travel teaches you the shared nature of being human. And it’s extremely important, because so much of our bad decision-making – at personal, business, national and planetary levels – is driven by myopia and a lack of understanding of anything beyond our normal confines. The more people can see of the world, the better their decision-making will be. It appears that more people will be seeing the world from space. What are your thoughts on developments in space tourism? Is this a good thing? Oh it’s a good thing. Air travel was impossible 100 years ago. You could maybe get a ride in an aeroplane but your odds of death were very high. Now, air travel is so commonplace that after a 12-hour flight, the only thing you’re likely to tell somebody is what you ate or what movie you watched. We’re in the infancy of space travel. We just haven’t come up with all the necessary inventions yet. But what Richard Branson is doing, what Elon Musk is doing, what Jeff Bezos is doing, what Boeing is doing – these are the early foundations. None of them has it right. But we’ll get there eventually. I’m just pleased to have been one of the early enablers, one of the people who got to see it early on with my own eyes and then to have done my absolute best to try to share that experience with as many people as possible. See more amazing pictures and videos on our website: www.diversityreporter.com
Crawley, Furlong, Endorse Rizvee
Milton (NEWS RELEASE) Candidate for the Liberal Nomination Azim Rizvee has secured two endorsements for his candidacy. Former National Party President (2012-2014) Mike Crawley applauds Rizvee’s drive. “Since coming to Milton more than a decade ago, he has built up a very successful business and become actively engaged in many facets of the community. His energy, drive, and community orientation is exactly what Liberals need to win this riding,” Crawley said in a statement. Rizvee is the CEO, and Broker of record of Minimaxx Real Estate. He’s been active part of the community supporting community fundraising efforts for Milton District Hospital Founda-
tion (M.D.H.F). Richard Furlong served as former Vice President of the Halton Liberal Party Association. He’s known Azim for 10 years, and believes he’s just what federal Liberals need to win the new riding. “He was to me a breath of fresh air, innovative, sincere, caring, and devoted to our community. He has shown over many years that my assessment is absolutely correct.” Azim is grateful for the endorsements of both men, and is working hard to secure the nomination. The Town of Milton forms its own riding following a redistribution. To learn more about Azim Rizvee visit his website at: www.azimrizvee.ca
Members of Milton’s Muslim community of Milton along with Federal Liberal Nomination Candidate Azim Rizvee met with Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP), Indira Naidoo-Harris, on Monday to discuss their concerns about Sex Ed curriculum. They brought their concerns to Nadioo-Harris’ attention and she requested concerned community members send her a letter detailing their suggestions for amendments to the curriculum, and she would forward it to Education Minister Liz Sandals. Naidoo-Harris told the group she would be more than happy to invite some responsible government officials and experts on the issue to come to Milton and discuss the issue in a town hall style meeting. As of press time, there have been no further details on the proposed Town Hall. – (Photo by Diversity Reporter Staff)
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life Style
Wednesday June 24, 2015
Assistive technology is redefining student success
Technology has revolutionized how today's students are learning. With the digital world at their fingertips, it's easier for teachers to provide accessible and specialized learning to empower students with special needs to realize their full potential. According to the 2012 Canadian Survey on Disability, more than 600,000 Canadians aged 15
and older reported having a learning disability. Of those, one-third reported their highest level of education as being less than high school. But today's education technology tools can provide specialized learning to help students of all abilities to learn and succeed. Angie Scarano-Iuorio, the assistive technology
central coordinator for the Toronto District School Board, understands the potential that technology has to enable learning. With a mandate to ensure students with special needs are able to work to their full potential, she used the Ontario Ministry of Education's Special Equipment Amount (SEA) to access technology from vocal devices to Windows tablets and apps to support learning and success at school. “We recognize that each individual has different ways of learning,” says Scarano-Iuorio. “We decided to use Windows tablets to help students with learning disabilities and those on the autism spectrum to increase their organization and independence skills.” The team is now two years into utilizing Microsoft OneNote on these devices to help students with learning disabilities prepare for their transition to high school. “Using OneNote is helping these students destress and focus on learning,” the coordinator continues. “For example, if you're a student who has difficulty taking notes from a chalkboard, you can simply take a photo, upload it and learn the lesson at your own pace, eliminating a lot of anxiety.” Ongoing professional development and inclass coaching sessions are offered by the assistive technology team throughout the year. Teachers are brought together in learning communities that help educators make the most of available tools. “Students with special needs no longer feel so singled out – the use of technology, such as Microsoft's OneNote, allows them to learn more independently and get ready for the next stage of their education,” ScaranoIuorio adds. - News Canada
Plan reliable care when pets can't travel with you As you count down the days until summer vacation, it's important to prepare a great little 'staycation' if your family pet is not taking the trip with you. If you're not sure where to start, check off the following items on any to-do list and enjoy a guilt-free getaway knowing your furry friend is in good hands: • Explore pet-care options: If you're planning a long trip, you may want to consider a local boarding kennel or hiring a pet-sitter. Ask your friends or vet for references, and make sure to book early as spots fill up quickly during the summer. • Bring information with you: If you're hiring a sitter, make sure your pet's ID tags are up to date so you can be contacted in case of an emergency. Also bring your pet's vaccination records plus the phone number for your vet. • Hungry pets are not happy pets: To prevent changing their daily diet, leave behind a feeding schedule for the care giver. This ensures uniformity with the wet and dry food. While there is no wrong way to integrate wet and dry food, consistency will be important to mini-
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mize anxiety for your pets. More information is available at www.petmixedfeeding.ca. Don't take that shirt: Leave behind an old tshirt that has your scent so your dog feels reassured. If you do this, check with the boarding kennel about any restrictions.
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Check your house for signs of danger: If your pet will remain in your home, unplug electrical appliances and remove light bulbs that might get knocked over in your absence. See more amazing pictures and videos on our website: www.diversityreporter.com - News Canada
Refresh your skin with a simple routine
Our skin goes through a lot during the day. It faces all kinds of irritants, including wind, pollution and the sun. To keep skin glowing at all times, a dedicated beauty routine is a must so start with this guideline: Cleanse. Beautiful skin is clean and glowing. Ensure you use a cleanser morning and night to get rid of sweat, dirt and oil that clog pores. Exfoliate. Getting rid of the excess dry skin cells will help make room for fresh new skin cells to grow. Use warm water and an exfoliating cleanser to help remove rough skin. Exfoliating should be done a couple of times a week. Moisturize and Protect. Keeping skin moisturized is critical for a beautiful healthy look. After cleansing, apply a moisturizer, appropriate for your skin type to keep it hydrated. If the moisturizer does not have an SPF, make sure you put on sunscreen as well. The sun can severely damage skin, making it look older and tired. But what is the most important step of your skin's beauty routine? Advisors tell us to get enough sleep. There is a reason we call it beauty sleep. Getting the proper amount each night can help skin look more luminous and youthful. At night our bodies recharge and if we aren't getting enough sleep the stress hormone cortisol becomes elevated, leading to inflammation in the body that impacts the skin's appearance. If daily stress keeps you awake on the pillow, wind down each day by soothing the senses. Popular products like ZzzQuil Scented Plug-Ins and ZzzPads, in trendy lavender and chamomile aromas, are designed to create a calming sleep environment. News Canada
TIPS TO PLANT A THRIVING FLOWER GARDEN During the summer months, Canadians finally have a chance to relax and enjoy the sun. There is no better way to embrace the warm weather than planting a beautiful flower garden. Not only will it enhance the curb appeal and aesthetics of your front lawn but planting pollinator friendly gardens can act as a great food source for pollinators like honey bees. Tip #1: Planning is everything There are many things to consider before you start planting. Think about the space, colour, sunlight and fit. It's important to pick a planting location that achieves the best sunlight for the flowers that you want to plant. Thinking about these factors beforehand will ensure that your flowers have the best possible growing environment to set them up for success.
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Tip #2: Bee friendly For honey bees, summer means working tirelessly to find food, to sustain themselves and their entire colony before another winter begins. Worker bees spend their days traveling from flower to flower collecting as much pollen and nectar as they can. But without a plentiful supply of blooming flowers, honey bees might not get the right nutrition and the cold months can be devastating on a hive. Tip #3: Choose pollinator friendly flowers Planting pollinator-friendly gardens are a great way to help honey bees find the food they need. Whether you live in a house or apartment building, you can dedicate a small part of your garden, balcony or rooftop to flowers
that feed pollinators like honey bees. Consider plants like: lance-leaved coreopsis, sneezeweed, New England asters, dense blazing stars and golden tickseed. Tip #4: Get the right seeds One of the biggest challenges with planting is choosing the right seeds. Thankfully there are pollinator garden programs like Buzzing Gardens, which provides free pollinator-friendly seeds with an online sign-up at www.beesmatter.ca. Using a pre-packaged seed kit will make planting your pollinator garden quick and easy. From planning stages to choosing the right environment for your seeds, these four tips will give you a garden to be proud of and a beautiful place to share with your friends and family. News Canada
ClaSSifiedS
Wednesday June 24, 2015
Islamic Community Centre Hosts Milton’s First Heart Screening Clinic By Laura Steiner STAFF REPORTER
South Asians are 3-5 times more likely to develop heart disease and stroke at an earlier age than other Canadians. Heart & Stroke Foundation began an initiative aimed specifically at the south Asian population to raise awareness of the diseases. In 2012, they were given a $40000 grant over 4 years from the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) foundation. The screening program runs over 4 provinces: Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and British Columbia. By 2014 they reached 2,000 people. “It’s a prevention program. People know, they come, they assess themselves.” Foundation Spokesperson Fridaus Ali described. By the time the program ends in 2016 they will have held nearly 100 clinics, and screened approximately 20,000 South Asians. The clinics are held at some kind of gathering place such as usually a mosque, temple, school or community centre. “We go to these places because they are friendly, open spaces for South-Asians,” Ali explained. In Milton the clinic was held at the Islamic Community Centre of Milton. The space is divided in half based on gender; men in one half of the building, women on the other. Stations are set up to measure waist circumference, blood pressure, and cholesterol. When people enter they are asked some basic questions based on lifestyle. They visit the blood pressure station where cuffs are attached to both arms. Machines administer the test 3 times in 2 minutes. The final result is an average of the three tests. If they hit a certain level, they are sent to have their cholesterol checked, and discuss the results with volunteers who in most cases are either Registered Nurses (R.N’s) or doctors trained in other countries. There are unchangeable genetic markers making South Asians more vulnerable to heart attack or stroke.
“What we can change are the modifiers,” Ali explained. These are factors such as nutrition, and exercise. “They don’t know the links between not exercising and being at risk for a heart attack.” Ali explained. Research shows adults should have 120-150 minutes of moderate exercise/ week. Another factor is nutrition. South Asian foods are higher in fat, and contain a lot of carbohydrates. “You can replace the unhealthy ingredients with the healthy,” Ali suggested. Tips include cutting the amount of salt, or substituting oil. The nutritionist asks clients what they eat, and then try to modify their diet. At this clinic the Nutritionist was Harjeet Singh. Carbohydrates (wheat, and rice) are a big part of the South-Asian diet. She suggests cutting back on their intake. Portion size is a second problem South-Asians face. “We don’t have any sense of portion control.” Sandhu explained. She recommends small portions. Determining what fats. “What people don’t realize the body needs good fats,” Sandhu said. They give away recipe pamphlets. “Some have even said it’s better than what they used to make at home,” Ali commented. Why focus on South Asian Women? Fridaus Ali remembers going to health fairs, and outreach programs. Women would tell her about taking their in-laws to the doctor’s office, or looking after their children. “There’s always
someone else who has priority, but not themselves.” Ali said. Women also face mobility issues, and family issues. Age is another contributing factor. For some the onset of a heart attack or stroke could come: 50-75 years of age. For South-Asians it comes considerably earlier sometimes in their 30’s. Ali stresses the clinics aren’t a diagnostic tool. “It’s where you come, you get a lot of information. You get screened.” Some locations host the clinic more than once. “When they see the impact these clinics have, they want us again,” she said. The Milton Clinic is Ali’s 25th in the Greater Toronto Area (G.T.A). “We really feel this is the first step,” Ali said. For more information on the Heart & Stroke Foundation visit their website at: www.heartandstroke.on.ca. Their website has a special section for “multicultural resources. SouthAsians can download pamphlets in Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, and Tamil.
HIGHLIGHTS: – South-Asians are 3-5 times more likely to have heart-attack or stroke than Canadians of other ethnicities Factors affecting risk: exercise, diet, and nutrition. South-Asians have a special genetic marker making them more vulnerable to heart-attacks, and strokes. – The Heart & Stroke Foundation believe hormones such as estrogen, and the reproductive cycle affect women’s risk. – The RBC South-Asian Women’s Health Program began in 2012, and has reached approximately 2000 people across the provinces of: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. By the time the program ends in 2016, it will have reached approximately 20,000 people There have been 25 clinics held across the Greater Toronto Area (G.T.A)
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Anabusi named Milton NDP candidate By Laura Steiner STAFF REPORTER
The New Democratic Party (N.D.P.) now have their candidate for the Milton Riding. At a nomination meeting in May Alex Anabusi won a contested nomination against former Milton Councillor Jan Mowbray. Anabusi is a passionate advocate for health issues who works at the Hospital for Sick Children. Locally, he’s been active in Milton helping to organize a protest against CN’s plans for an intermodal facility in southwest Milton. He’s optimistic he can bring change to the riding. “I chose to run for the same reason I chose to work in health care; to bring positive change to the lives of all Canadians and to hold government accountable for its actions.” Anabusi said. This isn’t his first attempt to gain public office. He was one of 25 candidates who stood for a vacant council seat in January, 2014. Consequently he ran an unsuccessful campaign in the October, 2014 municipal election in Milton. “I believe democracy is an everyday affair, not one that is addressed every four years,” he remarked. Under fixed election date legislation a federal election must be held no later than October 19, 2015. There’s speculation an official call could come as early as late August. The Milton riding is one of 15 new ridings in Ontario.
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Women
The Pollen Vortex – six tips for surviving allergy season Allergy experts in Canada and the United States are warning that we could be heading into one of North America’s worst allergy seasons in memory. A combination of factors – including a cold, snowy winter and a delayed spring – means that all the season’s pollen could arrive at once instead of the usual staged release by different tree species and grasses. For Ontarians with allergic asthma, the high pollen count means breathing difficulties on top of the usual misery of watery eyes, itchy throat and sneezing. Here are six tips from the Ontario Lung Association to help you get through the allergy season. 1. Plan your day to avoid peak pollen. Levels are higher in the morning and when it is hot, dry, sunny and windy. 2. Check pollen levels and forecasts regularly. The Weather Network and its website – www.weather.ca – provide pollen forecasts for major centres. 3. Try to stay indoors when pollen levels are high and keep your home and car windows closed. Ask someone else to do the gardening and outdoor chores until the pollen count falls. 4. Pollen accumulates on clothes hanging outside to dry. Hang clothes indoors or use a dryer. 5. If you’ve been outside when the pollen count is high, take a quick shower to wash it off and change into fresh clothes. 6. If you’re planting trees on your property, remember that it’s the male trees that produce pollen and make life miserable for people with allergies. For information about dealing with allergies or any other lung health issue, speak to a Certified Respiratory Educator on The Lung Association Lung Health Information Line at 1-888-344-LUNG (5864) or email info@on.lung.ca. - News Canada
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Wednesday June 24, 2015
Canadians adopting from Muslim countries caught in legal limbo Federal government suspended adoptions from Pakistan in 2013 over kafala arrangements
By SHanifa naSSer Canadian would-be parents are facing severe red tape when trying to adopt from Muslim countries, according to adoption experts who are calling on the government to take action. "What has the government done about it? Nothing," says Toronto immigration lawyer Preevanda Sapru. "It hasn't even come to the forefront that there is a problem for people to adopt from countries where there is Shariah law." In a sudden change of policy in 2013, the Canadian government suspended adoptions from Pakistan, arguing that the country has no legal equivalent of Canada's definition of the transfer of parenting responsibilities. The Canadian government's Adopt A Child site says, "Pakistani law prohibits adoption, instead recognizing a form of guardianship called kafala; applications for related placements are no longer accepted." But Saskatoon immigration lawyer Haidah Amirzadeh says the problem is much bigger than that. Amirzadeh has been working with a Canadian couple whose five-year battle to bring their adopted son home from Pakistan ended successfully last week. She says many parents adopting from Muslim countries are finding that they, too, are being roadblocked, and that their children may never be able to become Canadians simply because of the countries in which they were born. "I believe that this is very serious and needs public attention, as it does not stop at Pakistan. This is the issue with almost all Muslim countries," Amirzadeh says. She adds that she has clients from Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Iran, and Afghanistan — all of whom cannot bring their children home because the Canadian government won't recognize the adoptions, even though it has not instituted formal suspensions for those countries. 'CEnTrE oF MY lIFE' It's a problem Canadian citizen Nusrat Munshi, 47, knows all too well. In 2012, Munshi was working in Pakistan and obtained legal guardianship of a baby named Aleeza just two months after the little girl was abandoned at a Karachi orphanage. But last October, Canada's Federal Court ruled that baby Aleeza wouldn't be coming home with Munshi. The court reasoned that the pair didn't meet Canada's standard of a genuine parent-child relationship. Hearing that was the hardest part, Munshi says, because she is the only mother Aleeza has ever known. "I haven't given birth to her, but she's the
centre of my life," says Munshi from Karachi, where she remains since the ruling. In order to be recognized here, Canada requires that adoptions first be completed in a child's home country. But many Muslim nations have no legal provision for permanent adoption, and instead use kafala guardianship. Canada maintains that kafala does not qualify as adoption, arguing that the arrangement does not sever legal ties with a child's biological parents. BurEAuCrATIC WEB Other Western countries, including the United States and United Kingdom, have policies allowing kafala arrangements to be legally recognized there. Canada's position on kafala can leave families who have received guardianship in Muslim countries caught in a bureaucratic web that appears to be unique to Canada, and unable to bring their children home.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada spokeswoman Nancy Caron says it is not Canada's policy to discriminate against any country when it comes to adoption. "Eligibility of individual countries for inter-country adoption is determined on a case-by-case basis by the provinces and territories based on Canadian laws, and with respect for international laws as well as the statutes and wishes of the originating country." However, Amirzadeh says whether it's an official government policy or not, the red tape effectively discriminates against Muslim families. "It's like saying, 'You're born there, so you're doomed.'" And while a formal ban on adoptions from
Muslim countries isn't currently official policy, Canada hasn't entirely ruled one out. Documents obtained through access to information show that in 2013, the provinces and territories debated a ban on adoptions not only from Pakistan, but other Muslim countries, too. At least two provinces, British Columbia and Ontario, refused the proposal, according to the documents. "At this time, there is no intention of extending this closure to inter-country adoptions from other countries, although this does not limit such actions being taken in the future if determined to be warranted," Citizenship and Immigration Canada wrote then. Michael Blugerman, a Toronto-based adoption agent who was licensed to process adoptions from Pakistan for years until the 2013 ban, says while the government needs to make sure adoptions are legitimate, lumping cases from Muslim countries together isn't the answer. "It's what I'd call a cultural-religious-profiling problem," he says. KArACHI CourT APProvAl Meanwhile, Canada and Pakistan differ over the reasons for the adoption ban. Citizenship and Immigration spokesperson Remi Lariviere says that adoptions from Pakistan were suspended through "ongoing procedural evaluations by the Government of Canada with input from the Government of Pakistan." But it seems Pakistan is not objecting to adoptions. "It was a decision of the Government of Canada," says spokesperson Nazia Khalid of Pakistan's High Commission in Ottawa. "If they decide not to allow adoption, what can the Pakistani government say about it?" Court documents show that Pakistan does not bar Canadian citizens with guardianship from completing formal adoptions abroad. In fact in 2012, a Karachi court explicitly allowed Munshi to take baby Aleeza to Canada for adoption. Legal experts say that as long as the Canadian government refuses to recognize such an order as valid for adoption, would-be parents such as Munshi are caught in legal limbo. "The federal government blames the provincial governments, and the provincial governments blame the federal authorities," says Toronto immigration lawyer Ali Amini. "In reality, the impact is most severe on the most vulnerable of all — children who will have no one to care for them." As for Munshi, she's not sure if she'll try again to come back to Canada with her adopted daughter. For now, she says, "I want to raise Aleeza in such a way that every country would want to make her one of their citizens."
immigration
Wednesday June 24, 2015
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End Immigration Detention Network (EIDN) responds to death in immigration custody ToronTo – Following the death of a man being held in a Lindsay, Ontario prison, the End Immigration Detention Network (EIDN), Canada’s leading detention watch group, which works with detainees in the same prison, is increasing its call for an end to immigration detention and for the Ontario government to cut ties with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). “CBSA is clearly unwilling to act on the death and misery caused by immigration detention. It needs to end. The Provincial government is also directly responsible for jailing people
that continue to die under its watch,” says Syed Hussan of End Immigration Detention Network. On June 11, 2015 it was revealed that an immigration detainee, who was being held in Ontario’s maximum security Central East Correctional Centre (CECC) in Lindsay, died in a Peterborough hospital after being “restrained” by officers according to Ontario’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU). The detainee, whose name will be released later this afternoon, died as a result of a lack of appropriate, timely, and effective medical care for
his diabetic condition. CBSA is refusing to be transparent about the conditions that led to his death, while concern continues to grow about the inadequate levels of health care provided to detainees. Immigration detainees are held under the jurisdiction of CBSA but in Ontario, a third of all detainees are held in provincial prisons. EIDN is calling for an inquiry into the causes of death and immediate action to avoid further such tragedies. This is the twelfth reported death in detention custody, the second in 2015. EIDN has led a campaign since Sep-
tember 2013 when nearly 200 immigrants in CECC went on hunger strike, calling for an end to immigration detention and demanding that the Ontario government cut ties with CBSA. EIDN member Caileigh McKnight from Peterborough adds, “This news is yet another heartbreaking reason to end the injustice of immigration detention. The provincial government is locking up people in Ontario’s jails without trial or charge, not providing adequate health care and people are dying.” A GlobalNews report last November documented 11 deaths in immigra-
Canada to strip citizenship of dual-national terror convicts
Ottawa — Measures came into force officially today that enable Canada to revoke citizenship from dual nationals convicted of terrorism, treason and high treason, and/or spying for foreign governments. Canadian citizenship can now also be revoked from dual citizens for taking up arms against Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces, whether as a member of a foreign army or in non-state terrorist groups like ISIS. Also officially in force as of today is a new, more streamlined citizenship revocation process. This new process will help ensure Canada and Canadians are protected, and that revocation decisions can be made quickly, decisively and fairly. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) officials will be implementing these new measures immediately and will prioritize cases that have been tried and convicted here in Canada on at least one of the grave crimes listed above. “Our Government knows that there is no higher purpose for any government than to ensure the safety and security of its citizens and we have never been afraid to call jihadi terrorism exactly what it is. That is why we are taking steps to confront the ever evolving threat of jihadi terrorism by revoking citizenship of dual nationals who have been convicted of heinous crimes against Canada such as terrorism, espionage for foreign governments or taking up arms against Canada and our brave men and women in the Canadian Armed Forces. Our Government’s changes to the Citizenship Act
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Other measures introduced by the Government of Canada to help ensure the safety and security of Canadians include: In January 2015, Prime Minister Stephen Harper introduced the Anti-terrorism Act, 2015 which once passed will give Canadian law enforcement and national security agencies the tools they need to better protect Canadians from terrorism; In April 2015, Economic Action Plan 2015 announced $292.6 million over five years in intelligence and law enforcement agencies for additional investigative resources to counter terrorism; In May 2015 the Government introduced the Prevention of Terrorist Travel Act and changes to the Canadian Passport Order to revoke passports and prevent the travel of those seeking to engage in terrorist activity abroad; and, In 2013, the Combating Terrorism Act made it a criminal offence to leave or attempt to leave Canada for the purposes of participating in or facilitating terrorist activity.
Chris AlexAnder, CAnAdA’s Citizenship And immigrAtion minister will ensure that those who wish to do us harm will not be able to exploit their Canadian citizenship
to endanger Canadians or our free and democratic way of life.”
tion detention custody since 2000, including that of Lucia Vega Jimenez, whose passing lead to calls for an independent public inquiry. Canada Border Services Agency has no oversight body. In September 2014, a leaked Red Cross report found denial of family contact, increasing imprisonment of minors and children, violation of basic legal rights, worsening mental health in detention, and alternatives to detention as key areas of concern. Between 2008 and 2014, the Red Cross were denied visits to Ontario’s jails.
Indo-Canadian chairman of Toronto police board resigns
ToronTo: Indo-Canadian chairman of Toronto Police Services Board has resigned from his post after completing 10 years in Canada’s largest municipal police service. Alok Mukherjee, 70, announced his resignation effective from August 1, during a board meeting yesterday. “With this meeting, I complete 10 years in this position,” said Mukherjee.aAlok Mukherjee diversityreporter.com Mukherjee said that police service was very different today than a decade ago in the way that it served the community and conducted business, Toronto Star reported. The Toronto Police Services Board is a seven-member civilian body that oversees the Toronto Police Service. Andy Pringle will be succeeding Mukherjee. Pringle, the acting vice-chairman, said that Mukherjee has made “a huge contribution to policing in Toronto”. Emigrating from India in 1971, Mukherjee completed his PhD in Canada. Over 1.35 million people of Indian-origin currently reside in Canada.
Harper Government Introduces Oath of Citizenship Act oTTAWA — The Government of Canada introduced the Oath of Citizenship Act, to ensure Canadian citizenship applicants show their face while taking the Oath of Citizenship during citizenship ceremonies. The Oath of Citizenship Act will ensure that candidates are seen and heard reciting the Oath in community with others, to confirm their commitment as new citizens to Canada’s laws, values and traditions. Swearing or affirming the Oath is a legal requirement, a public declaration that a citizenship applicant is committed to adopting and upholding Canadian values. The Oath of Citizenship Actwill require that the Oath be sworn or affirmed publicly and openly, and in a way that others can verify: aloud and with face uncovered. · The Citizenship Oath is a solemn declaration in which citizenship candidates promise to obey Canadian laws, while fulfilling their duties and responsibilities as Canadian citizens. · The Oath recognizes that Canadian citizenship confers both rights and responsibilities, and one cannot gain citizenship or any of the privileges that go along with citizenship without taking the Oath of Citizenship. · A majority of Canadians believe new citizens should be seen and heard taking the Oath of Citizenship.
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feature
Wednesday June 24, 2015
Rukshana Khan: Adversity as Inspiration By Laura Steiner STAFF REPORTER
The first impression Rukshana Khan gives is one of openness and modesty. She was dressed in navy with a patterned hijab fastened with a brooch at her throat blinking away under the library lights. Despite her fame as an author/storyteller she carried her own bag for a presentation during the South Asian Heritage Month. Khan was born in Lahore, Pakistan in 1962. She came to Canada with her family when she was still three years and lived in Dundas, Ontario. It was her father’s belief in education and equality that led them to settle here. “In Pakistan he always wished, yearned for an education. But within his family that (education) wasn’t a priority, Khan explained. Her father was forced to leave school in Grade 10 and seek a
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trade. He became a tool & die maker but never lost a passion for learning: something he passed onto his children. “He really wanted the best for us.” Her father had a good job, but was laid off. He got a position that found him working 15-16 hour a days. It left his family with very little money to buy food. Growing up in Dundas wasn’t easy for Rukshana. The Khan’s were the only Pakistani Muslim family in town, and as a consequence they were bullied. When Rukshana was young she was picked on because of her skincolour. “At the school I went to in Dundas they told us they were white kids; they were clean. We were brown kids. We were dirty.” The kids suggested she go home and take lots of baths. She and her three sibl i n g s bathed up to five times a day. “It didn’t work, and then we tried baby powder, and that didn’t work,” she described. Khan felt
like she grew up feeling dirty and poor. “My father took us to Dundas because he wanted better schools for us” she said. Khan considers Dundas a wealthier suburb of Hamilton. The teasing and bullying continued through the older grades. As she got into Grades 7 and 8, her classmates would plan ways to humiliate her behind the teachers’ back. A classmate whom she identified as John presented her with a white box tied with a red ribbon one day in front of the class. She wanted to see what was in it but was afraid. “I said to myself not to take it. But then I wanted to know what was inside. Maybe it was a peace offering.” When she opened the box, Khan saw a dog collar. The bullying got so bad that Khan considered taking her own life. Khan’s faith to Islam and the books that she used to read prevented her from doing such. “Because when I read books I could forget about my problems. I could be someone else, I could be somewhere else.” She began to look inward, at her own worth. Her father gave her the example of the Prophet (Muhammad). “The Prophet was always poor.
He wasn’t rich, and yet he always had dignity.” It taught her that there was more to life than material wealth. Pakistani parents push their children towards becoming an engineer or a doctor. It’s something Khan calls sensible. “That’s a thing of prestige,” she explained. When she got an “A” in math or science, she was roundly congratulated. When she got an “A” in English it was treated as a bonus. It gave her the motivation to strive as she finished her biological-chemical technician course at the top of her class. It was unfortunate though that she couldn’t find a job and so her fate changed when she decided to become a writer. It was a huge career change that gave her many accolades. Her book entitled The Big Red Lollilop was named to the New York Times’ list of top 100 great children’s books in 100 years. It was a career change that has brought her many accolades including one book being named to the New York Times’ list of top 100 great children’s books in 100 years: The Big Red Lollipop. A second award-winning book was published in 1998. The Roses in My Carpet won a honourary Januscz
Kroczak award. Khan sponsored an Afghan child during the Russian invasion, and got to meet him in the camp. The meeting formed the basis of the story which has become one of her most popular presentations. For 30 minutes Khan took the readers on a visual tour of the camp. “It’s my favourite presentation to do,” she said. The story follows the boy through his daily routine of the camp, which includes making carpets. Each colour means something to him. White is the colour of the shroud used to wrap his father in while green symbolizes life. Red is either the blood of martyrs or the colour of roses. As a sign of gratitude, the camp’s children made her a carpet as described in the book. Khan was treated as an honoured visitor from Canada during her trip to the refugee camp. During her presentation she reflects on the differences between the two countries. “The difference between a country like Pakistan or Afghanistan, and a country like Canada is knowledge. If you have a card like this (she holds out a library card), you can get the same knowledge the rich people can.” She used part of the book’s proceeds to launch The Libraries in Afghanistan Project. The first library was in her foster child’s refugee camp. Khan views Canada’s multiculturalism as its strength. She shares this advice with immigrants going through similar challenges that she went through. “Maintain your dignity. Remember as a Canadian you don’t need to sacrifice your cultural identity for anyone. And that’s what makes Canada strong.” Rukshana Khan is a mother of four children and a grandmother of ten. She lives with her husband in Toronto. Visit www.rukhsanakhan.com for a full list of her books and more information on The Libraries in Afghanistan Project.
tagalog
Wednesday June 24, 2015
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Backlash against new restrictions to nanny program On June 23, the employers and their foreign workers applying through the Labour Market Impact Analysis (LMIA) may have a chance of being protected. An interim order could to protect employers and foreign workers if this hearing takes place. This hearing for the case will likely occur in a year. The Federal Court of Appeal will this case a year later, and, if the matter goes to the Supreme Court of Canada, it will last another year. This legal action challenges the rules Hon. Jason Kenney has imposed on employers of foreign workers and on the foreign workers themselves. Right now, litigants are limited to employers. However, Forefront Placement Ltd. could initiate litigation on behalf of specifically named foreign workers. This legal action concerns employers, who, according to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), were unable to fill jobs with Canadian labour. In order for employers to be eligible to go through this process, the employer must have offered at least the average wage for the
position(s) for which foreign workers. They must also have advertised nationally through two sources for one month for local workers before applying for a Labour Market Impact Analysis (LMIA). These rules impact most seriously on the Philippines, where 10% of the GDP comes from remittances from Filipino overseas foreign workers (OFW’s). In fact, Canada ranks third, accounting for $2.0 billion annually, a mere $800,000 behind Saudi Arabia. At a joint press conference between the Prime Minister and the Philippine President, Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, the CBC reported, the PM replied to a question about this issue saying, “[…W]e’re making sure that when people come to this country to work and to work longterm, they have the ability to move towards being permanent citizens of this country.” Harper noted that Canada is not going to have a policy where there is a permanent underclass of so-called temporary residents who live here, but have no rights of citizenship and no rights of mobility.
COMMUNITY EVENTS ramadan Qur'an Tafseer June 18th - July18th Islamic Community Centre of Milton 8069 Esquesing Line, Milton, ON L9T 7L4 Starting the first of Ramadan, Usama Syed will be conducting a daily Qur'an tafseer program from 8:00pm to Maghrib (sunset). Islamic Community Centre of Milton Jumma Schedule 8069 Esquesing Line, Milton, ON L9T 7L4 Friday Prayer (Jummah) timings are as follows: First Jummah: 1:30pm (Khutbah); 2:00pm (Iqama) Khateeb: Hafiz Irshad Ahmed Second Jummah: 2:40 pm (Khutbah); 3:10pm (Iqama) Khateeb: Councillor Zeeshan Hamid Seniors' Month (Milton Transit) Wednesday, Jun 24 To celebrate Seniors’ Month Milton Transit will offer free conventional and Community Bus service for seniors every Wednesday during the month of June, and 25% off June monthly passes for seniors (cannot be combined with the SPLIT program). Phone: 905-8644141 www.miltontransit.ca MDH Auxiliary Strawberry Fair Saturday, Jun 27 Milton Fairgrounds (Robert Street Entrance) 9am - 5 pm June Rushak at 905-878-2383 ext 7710 or via junerushak@gmail.com Canada Day Wednesday, Jul 1 136 Roberts Street
Time: 12:00 noon - 11:00 pm at Milton Fairgrounds, 136 Roberts Street, Milton, Cost: Free www.miltoncanadaday.ca Soundsational Summer Free Concert Series Thursday, Jul 16 Victoria Park Gazebo, Milton Time: 7:30 p.m. to dusk Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy great music in the great outdoors! Great free family fun! For more information please contact the Milton Concert Band or visit www.miltonconcertband.com liona Boyd in Concert Friday, Jul 3 St. Paul's United Church - 123 Main Street East Time: 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. Shaun Pilot at (647) 853-0057 or pilotmgmt@yahoo.com The Secret Gardens of Milton Sunday, Jul 5 268 Heslop Road 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Milton & District Horticultural Society's Annual Garden Tour Ticket cost: $15.00 For more info Barbara Smith at 905-8787652 or e-mail bsmith@networkingproviders.com Milton Chicken Wing Festival - 1st Annual Jul 17 – 18 Rotary Park Milton at 100 Garden Ln, Milton July 17th 5:00 - 11:00 p.m. Saturday, July 18th 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. Cost: $5.00 For more information please visit www.miltonwingfest.com
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SportS
Wednesday June 24, 2015
Pan Am Games Torch Relay visits Milton MIlTon – The TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay, presented by Presidents Choice®and OLG is officially in full swing. The Pan Am flame has been travelling through towns and cities across Canada since May 30, and on Tuesday, June 23 it will be Milton’s turn to host the flame. “The Town of Milton is excited to be a part of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay. We look forward to sharing the Pan Am spirit and showcasing our great community,” said Mayor Gord Krantz. “Welcoming the Pan Am flame to Milton is a special opportunity to show our community pride!” The Pan Am flame will arrive in Milton in the hands of hometown hero Travis Gerrits. The Olympic aerial skier will carry the flame along Santa Maria Boulevard to the Milton Sports Centre, where a full-scale celebration is planned. The free celebration begins at 11:30 am and will feature live cultural performances by Kenn Lewis & Island Entertainment as well as the White Pine Dancers. Plenty of family-friendly games and activities will be available to keep at-
tendees busy as they wait for the flame to arrive. There will also free giveaways, food samples, photo opportunities and vendor booths. At 12:30 pm, Gerrits will arrive with the flame and take part in a formal ceremony to light the community cauldron. At 1:30 p.m., the relay will recommence as former Olympian and Tour de France icon Steve Bauer takes the flame across town on his bicycle. Bauer will stop at the Milton Centre for the Arts, where an event is being held to acknowledge OLG’s continued financial support of the Milton Community Fund grant program, which supports not-for-profit organizations and individuals whose initiatives add to the quality of life within
Exercise will leave your body and mind feeling great this summera
Milton.panam games torch re-
play milton diversityreporter.com From there, the relay will move toward Milton’s downtown core. Longtime resident Donna Coulter will carry the flame down Main Street East, where it will be handed to Derek McGowan, a Milton-based musician. Mc-
Gowan will bear the flame between Charles Street and Hugh Lane, passing local pubs, eateries and shops along the way. The flame will be passed several more times before it reaches its third stop at the CIBC branch in the Derry Heights Plaza (Derry Road and Bronte Street South). After a brief break, the flame will travel on two wheels once again as Canadian track cycling team member Joseph Veloce cycles the final stretch of the relay, which ends at the Cisco Milton Pan Am/Parapan Am Velodrome. The stop at the velodrome will be open to media only, as preparations for the Games are ongoing.
The Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games at a glance letes, coaches and team officials. It will incorporate a full range of conveniences and amenities including: • The Village Polyclinic which will offer a full range of health care services and professionals. • Athletes and officials will have access to quality health and wellness products as well, including over the counter medication, multivitamins and sun care provided by atoma, the Official Pharmacy of the Games through its banners Guardian, I.D.A. and The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy and PROXIM. • 24-hour service will be available throughout the Village for athletes and team officials After the Games, the Village will become a mixed-use neighbourhood with affordable housing, new condominiums, a YMCA and a dormitory for George Brown College students. For more information on the Games and some of the top athletes competing this year, visit www.teamatoma.ca. •
Summer is upon us and it is a time when many people's thoughts turn to exercise to get in shape. But the positive impacts of exercise go beyond physical appearance. Exercise can help prevent heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and cognitive diseases such as dementia. Exercising also alleviates stress and anxiety, helping to avoid depression and improve sleep patterns. When thinking about your health and fitness goals, it is important to consult with a regulated health professional who has the expertise to provide an individualized assessment and plan that is safe to follow and that goes beyond the latest fads. Kinesiologists are regulated health professionals in Ontario who are trained in human movement and how to safely prescribe exercise. The College of Kinesiologists is the body that regulates the profession in Ontario. Only members of the College are permitted to use the title kinesiologist. The College exists to protect the public by setting rigorous requirements to enter the profession, developing standards of practice and a code of ethics, and requiring kinesiologists to participate annually in continuing professional development. When using the services of a registered kinesiologist, you can be assured that they are legally required to act in your best interest and that they are accountable to the College for the services provided. If you have concerns about a registered professional, it is your right to contact the College and the College will investigate. Working with a registered kinesiologist provides you with the peace of mind knowing they have met and continue to meet high standards that put the public first.
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Residents are encouraged to celebrate and share the Pan Am spirit by lining the relay route and showing their support for the torchbearers. Local roads will be open during the relay, so residents are reminded to stay safe by cheering from the sidewalk. For more information about the torch relay in Milton, including a detailed route map, visit www.milton.ca/games. About the ToronTo 2015 Pan Am Games Torch relay The torch relay will invite Canadians to celebrate and share the Pan Am spirit throughout its 41-day journey towards Toronto, the Host City of the Games. The torch relay started May 30, 2015, and concludes July 10, 2015, with the dramatic lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony in downtown Toronto. The TORONTO 2015 Games are funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, as well as Lead Partner CIBC and other partners and sponsors. For more information, visit TORONTO2015.org/torch-relay.
This summer Canada will be the centre of elite international athletic competition when more than 7,000 athletes from across the Americas and Caribbean will put their years of intense training, perseverance and sacrifice to the test. Athletes will compete against world-class competition in 36 Pan Am sports and 15 Parapan Am sports at the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games. Here are some fun facts about the games: When? The Pan Am Games take place from July 10 to 26 and the Parapan Am Games from August 7 to 15, 2015. What? The PanAm and Parapan Am Games games are the third most important multi-sport games in the world, surpassed only in size and scope by the Olympic Summer Games and the Asian Games. It's the largest multi-sport event ever hosted in Canada. History? The first Pan Am Games took place in Buenos Aires in 1951; Canada previously hosted the games in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1967 and 1999. Who? 7,000 athletes from 41 countries are represented at this year's event with 20,000 volunteers. Where? 30 venues located in 16 municipalities across southern Ontario. Interesting facts about the Athletes village: The newly-constructed Pan Am/Parapan Am
Athletes' Village will be located on an 80-acre site next to the Don River in Toronto's waterfront district. • The Village will be the home for 10,000 ath-
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religion
Wednesday June 24, 2015
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Ramadan 101: Ten facts about the holy month of Ramadan Throughout the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims will fast from dawn until dusk. Here are 10 facts to help you understand this holiday: 2. What is the purpose of Ramadan? 3. Exceptions to the fast 1. What is Ramadan?
Ramadan, the ninth month on the Muslim calendar, is celebrated as the month when the first verses of the Quran were said to be revealed to the prophet Muhammad in 610 CE. Laylat al-Qadr, or Night of Power, is thought to be the actual day when the Quran was given to the prophet and usually falls within the last 10 days of the holiday.
During Ramadan, observers are expected to abstain from food, drink, and other pleasures from dawn to dusk. Removing these comforts from daily routine is intended to focus the mind on prayer, spirituality, and charity and to purify the body and mind. Muslims are also expected to abstain from impurities such as gossip and cursing.
5. The date changes every year
4. The start of Ramadan is determined by the moon
Several different groups are excused from fasting during Ramadan: pregnant women, people who are mentally or physically ill, and sometimes women who are breastfeeding. Children are not obligated to fast until they hit puberty, although many choose to observe the fast at least part of the month in preparation for later years. Sometimes political factors can also get in the way of the fast. In China, celebrating Ramadan has been banned by the government in Xinjian province, where ethnic Uighurs practice Islam. Last month, tensions between Uighurs and police forces led to widespread riots resulting in the deaths of some 35 people.
6. A month of big changes
Islam functions on a lunar calendar that doesn’t quite line up with the solar Gregorian calendar that the secular world uses. So while Muslim holidays are always the same day on the Muslim calendar, they happen on different days on the Gregorian calendar – typically moving 11 or 12 days earlier each year. In 2012, Ramadan began on July 19.
8. Charity is an important part of Ramadan The exact start of Ramadan is often up in the air until just before the holiday begins because it is determined by a sighting of the new moon. Many places still depend on someone seeing the new moon with the naked eye in order to declare the holiday. As a result, Ramadan’s start can vary from place to place because of weather conditions and other factors that affect how easily the moon is seen. However, countries are increasingly relying on astronomical calculations and observatories, leading to a more uniform start time. The Arab Gulf states, as well as Egypt, have declared Wednesday, July 10, to be the first full day of this year’s Ramadan, according to al-Arabiya.
7. Traveling during Ramadan
While most non-Muslims know of Ramadan for the fasting, charity is also an important part of the month long holiday. Muslims are obliged to give charity on a regular basis in the form of either Zakat, which is mandatory giving, or Sadaqa, which is voluntary and meant to go beyond the mere religious obligations. During Ramadan, the rewards of charity are considered greater.
9. The Five Pillars of Islam
Though it is the holiest month of the year, Ramadan does not prohibit long-distance travel. Many Muslims will still celebrate even while in transit. This year the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), anticipating the holiday, issued a statement on its website informing travelers of the increase in religious activities they may see in airports, according to the National Journal. Some of the practices include reciting passages from the Quran, whispering prayers, or performing ablution (the washing of the body). If a non-Muslim wants to wish a fellow passenger a happy Ramadan, they can say Ramadan Mubarak, which means “have a blessed Ramadan.”
Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, the practices that all Muslims must follow. They are as follows: Shahada: This is a profession of belief in the one true God. The declaration usually goes as follows: “There is no god but God and Muhammad is his prophet and servant.” Salat: Praying five time daily facing the direction of Mecca. Muslims must practice ablution before the prayers. Zakat: The giving of charity to the poor and needy. Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan. Hajj: The pilgrimage to Mecca that each Muslim must make at least once in his or her lifetime.
In countries where Muslims are the majority, Ramadan has a drastic impact on daily life. Egypt pushes the clocks back an hour during the holy month so that the fast feels like it is ending earlier and the evenings are lengthened. Work days are made shorter during the month to accommodate the additional time spent in prayer and in enjoying festive meals to end the daily fast. According to bankers and economists in Muslim countries, Ramadan almost always ushers in a month-long period of inflation as people drastically increase the amount of money spent on clothing and food. The prices of certain staples go up dramatically – according to a former Monitor correspondent in Cairo, during Ramadan a cup of tea can cost six times its normal price. However, economic productivity also declines because of the shorter working hours and the general malaise among those abstaining from food and water all day. Ironically, many people gain weight during Ramadan. They are more sedentary during the daytime, eat richer food than normal at the fast-breaking iftar meal in the evenings, and get the majority of their daily calories at night, shortly before they go to sleep.
10. Eid ul Fitr The end of Ramadan is marked by Eid ul Fitr, a large festival to celebrate the end of the fast. The celebration begins as soon as the new moon is sighted in the sky. During Eid, Muslims celebrate by putting on their best clothing, attending large processions, giving gifts, spending time with their family, and having a large meal during the day. Muslims must also contribute a certain amount to charity so that the poor may also celebrate the breaking of the fast. Eid ul Fitr is also considered a time of reverance. Muslims praise Allah (God) for helping them get through the month, and ask for forgiveness for the sins they’ve committed.
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Wednesday June 24, 2015
El bilingüismo disminuye entre los jóvenes de Canadá En los últimos 10 años la proporción de jóvenes canadienses capaces de conversar en francés y en inglés se ha reducido, según el Comité Senatorial de Lenguas Oficiales. En 2011, el 22,6% de los jóvenes conocían los dos idiomas oficiales de Canadá mientras que en 2001 la proporción era del 23,9%. La tasa de bilingüismo es aún menor entre los jóvenes anglófonos fuera de Quebec durante el mismo período: de 2001-2011, pero se pasó de 17% a 14%. El número absoluto de los jóvenes de 15 a 19 años que sabe hablar inglés y francés aumentó, pero es menor proporcionalmente. Observe las cifras aquí abajo sobre el aumento absoluto del número de hablantes a través del tiempo, aunque proporcionalmente no quiere decir nada : 1971: 350325 1981: 406 635 991: 424 225 2001: 487 795 2011: 491555 La falta de maestros calificados es parte del problema, de acuerdo con el vicepresidente de la comisión, la senadora conservador Suzanne FortinDuplessis. La senadora dio el de ejemplo de la provincia de Terranova y Labrador, donde los estudiantes deben
recurrir a Internet para aprender francés. También deploró las condiciones de trabajo de los profesores de fracés como segunda lengua en la provincia oriental de Nueva Brunswick. El informe del comité señala que en 20 años, la proporción de escuelas públicas en las que los chicos están expuestos a programas de aprendizaje de francés se ha ido en picada. Pasó de 53 % en 1991 al 44% en 2011. la edad afecta la retención de un idioma Según un estudio de la agencia de estadísticas de Canadá, muchos anglófonos fuera de Quebec son incapaces de mantener su bilingüismo a medida que ganan edad. En 1996, los anglófonos de entre 15 y 19 años tenían una tasa de bilingüismo del 15%, mientras que cinco años más tarde, cuando tenían 20 a 24 años, su tasa de bilingüismo se había reducido a 12%. En 2006, cuando tenían 25 a 29 años, su tasa de bilingüismo fue del 10% y era sólo del 8% 15 años después, en 2011. Por lo tanto, se puede concluir que entre los anglófonos jóvenes el clímax del bilingüismo se alcanzó entre los 15 y los 19 años. Esto se aplica especialmente a los que han asistido a programas básicos de fracés como segunda lengua. Entre los jóvenes francófonos de la
Gobierno canadiense aceleró la destrucción del registro de armas largas
El primer ministro canadiense Stephen Harper reconoció haber ejercido presión sobre la Real Policía Montada de Canadá (RCMP) para que se destruyeran rápidamente todos los datos del registro de armas largas del país, aunque supiera que era un acto ilegal. Hasta el momento, el gobierno conservador había negado haber incitado la RCMP a destruir con premura en 2012 todos los datos relacionados con la propiedad y uso de armas largas. Estos actos fueron realizados a pesar de una investigación de la Comisión Federal de la Información y de un compromiso escrito del ministro de Seguridad Pública de respetar la ley. La comisaria Suzanne Legault recomendó una acusación formal en contra de la Real Policía Montada por haber destruido con anticipación y con conocimiento de causa, toda la información que se poseía al respecto y que estaba protegida por la Ley Acceso a la Información. Esta misma causa forma parte de una investigación de la Policía Provincial de Ontario. Suzanne Legault presentó una moción ante la Corte federal en busca de una órden para que se oblige al gobierno a conservar los últimos datos del controvertido Registro. Una declaración jurada presentada en una corte federal por investigadores demostró que desde el inicio de esta saga, la policía federal recibió presión por parte de la oficina del Ministro de Seguridad Pública y de la oficina del Primer Ministro canadiense para destruir rápidamente los datos. Según el documento, ésto habría sucedido al tiempo que el gobierno aseguraba a la comisaria Legault que se conservarían los datos hasta el final de su investigación. Durante el período de preguntas en el Parlamento este martes, el liberal Ralph Goodale acusó al Gobierno de “haber actuado de forma ilegal y de haber escondido información”. Harper respondió: “Este Parlamento y este gobierno aprobaron una ley que explícitamente hablaba de destruir este registro”, respondió el premier Harper respondió, refiriéndose al proyecto de ley de abril 2012 conocido como el Ley de Abolición del registro de armas largas.
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provincia de Quebec sucede lo contrario ya que alcanzan su mayor nivel de bilingüismo a los 20 años, cuando entran en el mercado laboral. Por su parte, los jóvenes anglófonos de Quebec, tienen una mayor tasa de bilingüismo que además ha aumentado de 48 % a 52 % entre 2001 y 2011. Entre las principales recomenda-
ciones hechas por el comité senatorial fueron que el gobierno trate de garantizar el acceso a los programas de aprendizaje de segunda lengua en el país, y desarrollar una campaña nacional de sensibilización para promover el aprendizaje de las dos lenguas oficiales. El estudio del Comité del Senado se
Teen alleges two-year affair with Senator Don Meredith
Don Meredith, questioned by the Star about an alleged relationship with a young girl and under investigation for sexual harassment at his office, was dumped from the Conservative caucus on Wednesday. A Canadian senator who is under investigation for workplace sexual harassment is facing a new allegation that he had a sexual relationship with a teenager during the past two years. Don Meredith, 50, has been a senator since 2010 and is also a Pentecostal pastor with the Praise Centre in Toronto. Soon after the allegations against Meredith were published on the Star website, the Prime Minister’s Office took swift action to oust him from Conservative circles. “Senator Meredith is no longer a member of the Caucus,” spokesman Stephen Lecce said in an email. According to the young woman, who is now 18, the relationship began soon after she turned 16. She met Meredith at a church event in Ottawa. She said it began with sexually explicit chats over Skype and Viber in which Meredith asked her to remove her top and underwear. She said he then masturbated on camera. The relationship progressed to physical intimacy, kissing and touching before the girl turned 18. Soon after she turned 18, the woman said, they had intercourse twice. When the senator broke it off earlier this year, he told her in a text message that he did so because “God has spoken to me and am (sic) not happy with me ... I should be leading you not making you.”
The Star has conducted detailed interviews with the woman in person and over the telephone. The Star has also viewed text and email messages the two exchanged. Meredith, reached by the Star on Tuesday, said he was too busy to answer questions. “I’m just in a meeting right now; I can’t speak to you,” Meredith said. The senator hung up when the Star began asking questions. Following the call, the Star sent two sets of written questions to Meredith. The Star left requests for comment on the issue of an alleged inappropriate relationship on Meredith’s cellphone, at his Toronto area church, and his Senate office in Ottawa. Meredith has yet to respond. In Canada, the age of consent for sexual relations is 16. However, the age of consent is 18 if there is a relationship of authority, trust or dependency. Meredith was appointed to the Senate by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2010. He had run unsuccessfully as the Conservative candidate in the 2008 byelection in Toronto Centre. A landscaper by trade — his company is called Donscape Landscaping Services — Meredith had become prominent in Toronto for speaking out against youth violence. Last week, CTV’s Robert Fife reported that Meredith is under investigation by the Senate for “allegations of workplace sexual harassment and bullying.” According to the CTV report, “four of Meredith’s former female employees and four other Senate staffers allege he made sexual advances, used sexual innuendo, and was often rude and vindictive.” Senate Speaker Leo Housakos confirmed to media outlets that an investigation he called a “workplace assessment” is underway. The woman the Star interviewed did not work for the senator and has no connection to the workplace harassment allegations. In an online biography at the Pentecostal Praise Centre in Vaughan, Meredith is described as having a strong commitment to religion and youth. He is also known for his comments on the importance of family values. “He has a heart for people and desires nothing more than to see all people come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and His glorious Kingdom. With a strong passion for Youth and their families, he wants to empower them through education,” the biography states. “He has dedicated his life to work with other Faith Leaders, Politicians, and Police to bring about change in how we Engage, Encourage and Empower our youth across Canada.”
realizó entre abril del 2013 y mayo del 2015. Las audiencias públicas en Ottawa permitieron a la Comisión escuchar 51 testimonios de los sectores de educación, el gobierno, los medios de comunicación u organizaciones sin fines de lucro. Algunos eran jóvenes, otros investigadores, otros padres o maestros.
Arturo Vidal perdió su licencia de conducir pero continúa en la Copa América
Un juez chileno decidió suspender durante 4 meses la licencia de conducir del mediocampista de la selección chilena Arturo Vidal, después de un accidente con su Ferrari en estado de embriaguez. Pero a pesar del fallo del juez, el entrenador de “La Roja”, el argentino Jorge Sampaoli, dijo que Vidal puede seguir jugando por la selección, una de las favoritas para ganar la Copa América 2015, que se juega en este momento en Chile. Arturo Vidal compareció ante la corte esta mañana después de haber pasado la noche en la cárcel. Vidal sufrió algunas lesiones leves en el accidente al igual que su esposa que se encontraba en el lugar del pasajero. El tribunal dijo que el mediocampista chileno tenía en el momento del accidente 1,21 gramos de alcohol por litro de sangre en el cuerpo, cuando cualquier infracción por encima de 0.8 es castigada con 3 años de cárcel. Una foto del accidente muestra daños en la parte delantera izquierda de la Ferrari del jugador chileno y las bolsas de aire de protección aparentemente desplegadas. Arturo Vidal, emocionado, con voz entrecortada y en lágrimas, dijo en una breve conferencia de prensa que esta avergonzado de lo que pasó, “les fallé a todos. Me queda pedir disculpas y demostrar en la cancha que esta oportunidad que se me está dando es por algo”. Vidal marcó dos goles el lunes, en el empate 3 – 3 contra México y es el máximo goleador del torneo con 3 goles.
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Wednesday June 24, 2015
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La policía italiana desaloja migrantes en la frontera francesa La policía francesa procedió, este martes, a la evacuación de varias decenas de migrantes instalados en refugios improvisados, en la frontera entre Italia y Francia, sobre las rocas de la costa mediterránea. Unos 300 migrantes, esencialmente de Sudán, del Estado de Eritrea y de Somalia, se refugiaron con las mujeres y los niños, desde hace cinco días cerca de Ventimiglia, ciudad italiana cercana a Francia. Una buena parte de estas personas había sido rechazada por la policía francesa. La intervención de las fuerzas de la policía italiana, vestida en traje antimotines, el mismo utilizado por la policía, en Luxemburgo, en el marco de una reunión de ministros del Interior de la Unión Europea, consagrada a la crisis de la inmigración. Italia reprochó a sus socios europeos una falta de solidaridad teniendo en cuenta que las arribos de barcos a sus costas han llevado 57 000 personas, desde el comienzo del año, según las estimaciones oficiales. El presidente del Consejo, Matteo Renzi, reclamó, este domingo, una modificación de las reglas del derecho de asilo en Europa. En una entrevista acordada al diario italiano Corriere della Sera, él preconiza una reforma del reglamento europeo de Dublín que obliga los migrantes a hacer su solicitud de asilo en el primer país de entrada a la Unión Europea. “Si el Consejo Europeo escoge la solidaridad, mejor; si no, hemos preparado un plan B, pero que perjudicará a Europa”, dijo sin dar más detalles.
Por su parte, Francia hizo un llamado a Italia para que respete la legislación en materia de acogida de migrantes y que acepte la puesta en marcha en su territorio de “centros de espera”, donde los migrantes serían registrados y donde sería posible distinguir entre solicitantes de asilo y migrantes económicos. La cuestión de la acogida de migrantes será evocada, este domingo, en el encuentro entre François Hollande y
Matteo Renzi, en el marco de la exposición universal de Milán. Cerca de Ventimiglia, este martes, agentes de la policía italiana precisaron que los migrantes eran transferidos hacia una estación ferroviaria donde recibirían comida y asistencia médica. “No tenemos ni ayuda, ni esperanza; estamos a merced de la policía”, dijo a Reuters un hombre que dijo que venía de la región sudanesa de Darfour y que se presentó bajo el nombre de
Mustafari. El hombre explicó que había intentado seis veces montar a bordo de un tren hacia Francia con la esperanza de llegar a Suiza al final de su periplo. Cada vez que lo intentaba, la policía francesa lo interceptaba y lo obligaba a caminar cinco o seis horas para atravesar la frontera italiana en el otro sentido. “Las imágenes provenientes de Ventimiglia son un puñetazo en el rostro de todos los países europeos que
Inmigrantes ilegales en Canadá: la La tormenta Carlos se debilita situación está “bajo control” dijo Ottawa frente a México
La tormenta tropical Carlos se ha debilitado rápidamente en el oeste de México este miércoles por la mañana a medida que se acercaba de la costa pacífica de este país, pero amenaza igual con provocar intensas lluvias en varios estados mexicanos afirma el Centro Nacional de Huracanes, NHC, de Estados Unidos. Carlos se encontraba a unos 16 kilómetros al sur de Playa Perula con vientos sostenidos de unos 72 kilómetros por hora con ráfagas más fuertes y según el Centro de Huracanes, con sede en Miami, se desplaza ahora hacia el noroeste a una velocidad de 14 kilómetros por hora. Se espera que Carlos, que había sido degradado de huracán a tormenta tropical, se convierta ahora en una depresión tropical este miércoles por la noche y que se siga diluyendo mañana jueves, afirma el NHC. El centro de huracanes dice que Carlos provocará lluvias en los Estados de Michoacán, Colima, Jalisco y Nayarit este viernes.
Canadian Latin American Association, CALA o Asociación Canadiense de Latinoamericanos de London. Crédito de la foto: CALA
El gobierno federal le ha perdido la pista a 44 202 inmigrantes que son objeto de un mandato de expulsión. En este contexto, el ministro federal de la Ciudadanía y la Inmigración, Chris Alexander, afirmó que de ninguna manera Canadá actuará como Estados Unidos que decidió regularizar la situación de estas personas de una vez. En 2014, el presidente estadounidense Barack Obama regularizó los casos de cinco millones de personas que vivían sin papeles en Estados Unidos. “Expulsamos entre 10 000 y 15 000 personas al año. En Estados Unidos, recientemente, la cifra era de 300 000 personas por año. Y con todo eso, 10 millones de personas (ciertas estimaciones oscilan entre 12 y 15 millones) se encuentran ilegalmente en ese territorio. Por eso, están pensando en nuevas políticas”, explica el ministro Alexander. “Nuestro desafío en este sentido sigue estando bajo control, si lo comparamos a la situación en Europa o en Estados Unidos, donde la población de inmigrantes ilegales es muy grande”, agregó. El ministro Alexander alegó que Canadá ya tiene su propia vía para normalizar la situación de inmigrantes ilegales. “Nosotros tenemos esa vía humanitaria, ese programa de motivación humanitaria. Miles de personas sin un estatus legal la utilizan todos los
años si nos pueden demostrar que tienen vínculos durables con Canadá y que es lógico, desde el punto de vista humanitario, que se queden aquí”, destacó. El ministro cree que el hecho de haber reducido el plazo acordado a las personas cuyas solicitudes han fracasado en las audiencias de determinación del estatus de refugiado permitirá disminuir la “población de casos fallidos en Canadá” y que la reforma “había sido un éxito en este sentido”. InMIGrACIón Y TErrorISMo Según la Agencia de Servicios Fronterizos de Canadá, al menos 2000 de los 44 202 inmigrantes ilegales tienen un expediente criminal. El ministro no precisó, sin embargo, cuántos de entre ellos podían tener vínculos con organizaciones terroristas. El ministro recordó más bien que Ottawa trabaja “para arrestar a esos y esas que han sido atraídos por esa ideología”, particularmente con la adopción de la Ley C-51. “Adoptamos también una ley sobre la expulsión más rápida de criminales peligrosos. A través de esta ley, logramos expulsar decenas de criminales y con nuestras medidas de colecta de informaciones biométricas, nos podremos permitir no tener criminales que vuelvan al país con otra identidad”, destacó.
quieren cerrar los ojos”, fustigó en lunes el ministro italiano del Interior, Angelino Alfano. Europa corre el riesgo de una “falta política” Desde que la crisis de migrantes se desató con la muerte de varias centenas de personas , tras el naufragio de un barco de pesca a mediados de abril en las costas libias, los dirigentes de la Unión Europea decidieron triplicar los fondos de la misión Tritón para la búsqueda y rescate en el Mediterráneo. Sin embargo, los europeos divergen sobre la toma de control de los migrantes una vez que llegan al territorio europeo. El presidente de la Comisión, JeanClaude Junker, propuso un programa de distribución de 40 000 refugiados para aliviar a Italia y Grecia, principales puertas de acceso a la Unión Europea, vía el Mediterráneo. París y Berlín se dijeron listos para examinar la proposición de la Comisión Europea sobre la acogida de los solicitantes de asilo con la condición que este dispositivo sea “temporal y excepcional” y que obedezca a “un sistema de repartición consensuado y equitativo”. En Ventimiglia, los migrantes desplegaron una banderola sobre la cual se podía leer, en francés y en inglés: “Urgencia humanitaria: esperamos una respuesta política inmediata de Europa”. “Trabajamos para evitar una falta política de Europa”, dijo Alfano, este martes, ante la reunión de Luxemburgo, en una alusión lejana a las negociaciones sobre la deuda griega y el riesgo de falta de pago.
Los choferes de Uber son empleados, juzga una instancia californiana
Un chofer que ofrece un servicio de automóvil compartido por intermedio de la plataforma digital Uber es, en efecto, un empleado de la compañía y no un subcontratista, acaba de decretar la Labor Commission of California. Esta comisión de relaciones de trabajo estatal estima que la compañía basada en San Francisco, estados Unidos, “participa en todos los aspectos” en las operaciones que implican a los choferes. La comisión indica, por ejemplo, que Uber controla la herramienta que utilizan los choferes, supervisa las evaluaciones de los clientes y pone un término al acceso de los mismos a la aplicación, si las evaluaciones son juzgadas como insuficientes. Esta decisión constituye un nuevo reverso para Uber que argumenta sin descanso que sus choferes son subcontratistas independientes y que la empresa se contenta con solamente ponerlos en contacto con los clientes, gracias a esta plataforma tecnológica. El fallo, si es mantenido, podría perjudicar las finanzas de la compañía cuyo valor está estimado en 40 mil millones de dólares. En virtud de las leyes estadounidenses, las compañías deben verter cotizaciones por cada uno de sus empleados (seguridad social, seguro de desempleo, indemnización en caso de accidente de trabajo). Sin embargo, la compañía no tiene que hacerlo cuando contrata trabajadores autónomos. El fallo de la comisión se produjo en el marco de una apelación depositada por Uber. La empresa contestaba una decisión previa de la comisión que acordó 4000 $ a una de sus ex conductoras. Una agencia gubernamental de la Florida decretó a comienzos del año que los choferes de Uber son empleados. En Montreal, Uber es, desde hace varios meses, blanco de críticas por parte de la municipalidad y de los choferes de taxi que le reprochan una competencia desleal, puesto que no necesitan obtener un permiso de taxi.
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中国舞蹈在密尔 顿街道节日表演 六月六日星期六，在密尔 顿市中心主街上热闹非凡 ，乐队，商家，儿童乐园 ，各种吃食和游艺济济一 堂。数以千计的密尔顿各 族裔市民们经过一个严冬 ，好不容易盼来了温暖的 季节，都来到街上感受热 闹。
加拿大歌星席琳 •迪 翁 ： 丈 夫 入 院与癌症抗争
加拿大超级歌星席琳·迪翁（ Céline Dion）说，她的丈夫勒内·安杰利（ René Angélil）正在美国波士顿的一 家医院里“为自己的生命奋争”。 拉斯维加斯太阳报（ Las Vegas Sun ）报道说，73岁的勒内·安杰利被送 进医院接受癌症治疗，以拯救生命。
主街两旁排开二三百米都 是密尔顿各个商家的路边 摊点。无论什么年龄层次 都能找到自己感兴趣的事 情来观赏，品尝，或者参 与。密尔顿中国艺术协会 (Milton Chinese Arts Society)
去年夏天，迪翁宣布暂时搁置自己的 职业生涯，以照顾丈夫，安杰利在 2013年被诊断出喉癌复发。 今年3月，迪翁披露安杰利在做了大手 术后不能说话，需要用喂食管进食， 她还宣布将重返舞台，因为丈夫希望 她坚强，希望她重新演唱。
舞蹈团也在节日现场表演 了具有中国特色的舞蹈。 随着扬声器里的中国歌曲 响起，舞蹈团的成员们翩 翩起舞，迎来里三层外三 层的观众。中国舞蹈团员 们的舞蹈受到前来的密尔 顿市民的喜爱和好评。
上个周末，席琳·迪翁与意大利著名 男高音安德烈·波切利（Andrea Bocelli）在 MGM Grand Garden Arena 的一个慈善活动上一起进行了演唱， 这位47岁的女歌星将在8月27日重新启 动在拉斯维加斯 Caesars Palace 的 演唱会。
若丢了工作，加拿大有贷 款房主40%熬不过三个月 加拿大广播公司CBC报道说，根据一项 最新调查，在仍然欠有抵押贷款的加 拿大房主中，一旦出现失业或利率上 升的局面，不少人会很快就会陷入窘 境。 对失业准备不足 由加拿大宏利银行（ Manulife Bank of Canada）公布的这项调查表明，许 多加拿大房主对“丢工作”的局面准 备不足，现金储备非常有限。 如果家里的主要经济支柱失去了工作 ，43%的家庭说支撑3个月就会还不上 抵押贷款额，而其中16%的家庭说1个 月内就会有困难。 对利率提升准备不足 在这项调查中，超过1/3的人表示，如 果抵押贷款的付款额增加10%，他们就 会出现财务紧张，还有15%的人说，利 率涨一点都不行，说明他们已经处于 “极限”状态。
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。有分析预测美联储可能在今年秋天把 基准利率提升0.25%，即使加拿大央行 不立即跟进，但也总是要跟进的。 美国人债务下降，加拿大人债务上升 宏利资产管理（Manulife Asset Management）的首席经济学家梅根·格林 （Megan Greene）表示，自2008年的 金融危机以来，美国人的家庭债务相 对国内生产总值的比例在显著下降， 但加拿大人的家庭债务不断上升，加 拿大的私人债务负担给经济增长带来 风险。
宏利银行的首席执行官里克·卢尼（ Rick Lunny）表示，付款额增加10%， 听起来好像很多，实际上，如果你有 20万加元的抵押贷款，利率上扬1%， 你的付款额就会增加10%，所以，在这 个方面人们没有周旋多少空间。
宏利的调查发现，加拿大房主们现在 平均欠抵押贷款19万加元。 阿尔伯达省房主的负担最重，平均欠 24万2400加元，其次为不列颠哥伦比 亚省，平均21万7600加元，马尼托巴 省和萨斯喀彻温省并列第三，房主均 欠抵押贷款19万7100加元，排在第四 的是安大略省，为19万3000加元。
他还说，利率上升是不可避免的，因为 利率处于历史低点已经持续了很长时间
大西洋沿岸省份居民的抵押贷款欠额 最低，平均为12万7300加元。
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